Is Linux on the desktop important?
Those who think yes are making the same mistake Microsoft where making years ago when Windows 7 came out.
Over time the desktop is becoming more of a niche product and the OS the client device runs is becoming less important, as there is real competition in the client device market at the moment.
GNU/Linux is now the basic main player, and other OSs have to offer a compelling reason to be used instead. Which Windows and OSX do on the desktop etc...